Hudson County Community College Holds Successful 15th Annual Holiday Gala
December 20, 2012
JERSEY CITY, N.J. / December 20, 2012 — Hudson County Community College Foundation held the largest and most festive of its annual fundraisers — the 15th Annual Holiday Gala —on Thursday evening, December 6, 2012 at the HCCC Culinary Arts Institute/Conference Center 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. Proceeds from the event rose to more than $200,000 and will be dedicated to scholarships for deserving students, faculty development programs, and the College’s physical expansion.
PSE&G was the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their work on behalf of the College and the people of Hudson County. Richard Dwyer, Regional Public Affairs Manager for PSE&G and a Director of the HCCC Foundation, accepted the award of the company’s behalf.
“PSE&G has been a partner to the College for some time, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to thank them on behalf of the College and our students,” said Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone.
One of the key features of the Holiday Gala was the hospitality hour, where area restaurants prepared and served hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Participating restaurants included Encore Catering, Havana Dulce, Lisbon, Michael Anthony’s, P J Ryan’s, Rita & Joe’s, Renato’s Pizza Masters, Rumba Cubana, and Tejo.
The event also featured a gourmet dinner feast prepared by the chef-instructors from the College’s nationally acclaimed Culinary Arts Institute, and served by students from the College’s acclaimed Culinary Arts program.
“Special thanks go to our wonderful Culinary Arts Institute faculty and staff, and to all the other members of the College community who worked so hard to make this event so successful,” said HCCC President Dr. Glen Gabert.
During the Gala, the winning tickets of the annual “Lucky Odds” raffle were drawn. The Grand Prize winner, James Adams, received 40% of the raffle ticket sales ($4,520), Second Prize winner, Foundation Director Patrick DiSanto, was awarded 6% ($678), and Third Prize winner, HCCC Trustee Karen Fahrenholz, was presented with 4% ($452).
Established in 1997, the Hudson County Community College Foundation continues to play an integral role in the development of HCCC students, the College and the community. The Foundation is dedicated to generating financial support for the College and its students, developing and awarding needs-based and merit scholarships, providing seed money for faculty programs, and providing for the College’s physical growth. Since its founding, the HCCC Foundation has provided scholarships to more than 1,000 students who otherwise might not have been able to pursue a college education.
The HCCC Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation providing tax-exempt status to contributors.